Niall Collins
Question:1141. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the measures he is taking to combat animal abuse (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1235/21]
View answerWednesday, 13 January 2021
Questions (1141)
Written answers
I would like to assure the Deputy that my policy and the policy of Government is clear and consistent - animal cruelty is totally unacceptable. Animal welfare is high on the agenda of my Department and considerable resources and funding are provided to address the issue. In December 2020, I announced the provision of record funding of €3.2 million to 101 animal welfare organisations throughout the country, many of which work with equines. The Programme for Government contains an undertaking to make additional funding available to animal welfare charities and urban horse welfare programmes over the coming years, to which I am fully committed.
With respect to enforcement, since the enactment of the Animal Health and Welfare Act, over 100 cases have been prosecuted with a further number before the Courts. In addition, a number of files are currently with the Chief State Solicitor with a view to instituting proceedings.
Regarding the urban horse issue, my Department continues to take a proactive approach in collaboration with Local Authorities, tackling challenges by developing facilities for urban horse populations and in educating young people in the care and welfare of horses.
The Deputy will be aware that my Department operates a confidential animal welfare helpline through which members of the public can report incidents of animal cruelty or neglect. If any member of the public wishes to pass on details of any case of alleged neglect or cruelty that they are aware of, they will be fully investigated and appropriate actions, up to and including prosecution, may be taken.
The dedicated e-mail address and Helpline for reporting suspected cases of animal welfare are:
Helpline Phone No: Call Save - 0761 064408, phone - 01 607 2379.
Email address: animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie